The dogs of Westminster

Updated 1:39 PM ET, Tue February 12, 2013

The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – Many dog breeds recognized by the Westminster Kennel Club are named for the work they were bred to do, such as pointers, retrievers and shepherds. But some dog breeds are not as obvious. Pembroke Welsh Corgis, for example, are well-known as the foxy, playful pet of Queen Elizabeth. No taller than 2 feet, this dog was originally bred to herd and drive cattle.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – The Hungarian Komondor has long been used to guard livestock. That's because this dog can do so instinctively with no training.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – A favorite of Afghan royalty for centuries, the Afghan Hound was bred to hunt gazelle, snow leopards and hare.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – Far from an awkward Marmaduke, the Great Dane breed was developed in Germany to hunt wild boar. In fact, this dog was called the "Boar Hound" when introduced to America in the late 1800s.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – In ancient Malta, some believed the Maltese dog had healing abilities. They were often brought to the bedsides of the ill in hopes of a speedy recovery.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – The Norfolk Terrier was bred specifically for Cambridge University students in the 1800s and 1900s, as they had a great need to rid their dorms of rats.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – The Canadian Nova Scotia Duck Tolling, a retriever, was bred to play so beguilingly along a shoreline, as its owner threw a stick or ball, that ducks would leave their hiding places in curiosity. This dog lures ducks in for the hunt.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – Known as an ancient companion of Roman warriors, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a guard dog with a twist: Italian owners bred this dog to startle, amaze and astonish onlookers.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – Named for an Irish valley, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a vermin-hunting dog that was bred with a unique talent: This dog functioned as a cog in elaborate turnspits by pawing a large wheel that turns a spit over a fire. Well done!

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – Although named for the island of Ibiza, the Ibizan Hound was known as a hunting dog in ancient Egypt. They are distinguished by jumping like deer as they chase their prey.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – These small, portable and delicate-looking dogs were developed to hunt badgers and other animals that live burrowed underground. In fact, Dachshunds have strong chest muscles, intended for digging up dens.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – The centuries-old Norwegian Lundehund breed from arctic Norway has six toes on each foot, in order to climb rocky cliffs so it can hunt puffins.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – Originally bred in China as far back as 800 AD, the Pekingese dog has long been a companion of royalty. They earned the moniker "Sleeve Dog" because they were often carried in the sleeves of Chinese courtiers' robes.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – It's far easier to call this breed the "Mexican Hairless," but the Xoloitzcuintli (Show-low-itz-quint-lee) was prized by Aztecs as the guard dogs of the dead. They can still be found in Mexican jungles.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – These tiny dogs with mysterious origins (people speculate Chihuahuas were developed by Aztecs, ancient Egyptians, the Sudanese or perhaps in Malta) have been used for religious sacrifice, eaten by conquistadors and used to guide their dead owners' souls to the hereafter.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – The Bouvier Des Flandres, from the farms of Northern France and Belgium, is traditionally used for herding, pulling milk carts and police work. These dogs often weigh around 100 lbs.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – The Newfoundland dog, named for the land where the breed originated, was traditionally used as a working farm dog. Another talent encouraged by the Newfoundland's owners was pulling in fisherman's nets.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – The Tibetan Lhasa Apso breed was developed by dalai lamas as guard dogs. These dogs have excellent hearing, which helped their masters protect temples.

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The dogs of Westminster19 photos

That dog does what? – An old companion breed from the Mediterranean, Bichon Frises, developed a knack for inspiring painters. They often appear in Renaissance art.